It’s all about the views at this forest canopy-brushing
meditation retreat. Located in Hyōgo prefecture on Awaji Island,
Zenbo Seinei was imagined by the talented Pritzker Prize-winning
architect Shigeru Ban. Picture an off-grid oasis of 18 temple
lodgings, where huge windows frame epic vistas of the green forest
blanket below, and a 100m-long sky deck (prepped for yoga classes
and meditation sessions) offers 360-degree views of the rolling
hills that cocoon the property. Interiors, meanwhile, look like
something straight out of a Muji catalogue: prepare to sip matcha
in your minimalist, all-wood bedroom, take time out in calming
communal spaces and slip into the therapeutic waters of the on-site
onsen. Hungry? There’s an in-house restaurant serving fresh
plant-based cuisine, with all dishes inspired by the four seasons
and crafted without using any sugar, oil or dairy – detox,
incoming.

Don’t expect to spot Mario or Luigi here. Despite being housed
in the former Nintendo HQ, this Kyoto boutique hotel has avoided
obvious references to the video game franchise. Instead, 11 rooms
and seven suites have been stylishly renovated by Japanese
architect Tadao Ando to create an inviting, light-filled space –
marble bathrooms, velvet wishbone chairs, standing lamps and
extra-large potted plants all make for a comforting stay. There
are, however, subtle nods to the building’s heritage: window
grilles engraved with details from old playing cards; a handsome
library showcasing the history of Nintendo and its founders, the
Yamauchi family. Spread across four buildings, a restaurant, bar,
spa and gym are all at guests’ disposal.

In the weeks before Covid put a stop to travel plans, we’d
packed our suitcases ready for a stay at Sowaka, so we couldn’t be
more excited about finally visiting this elegantly restored ryokan.
“Sowaka”, which means “happiness” or “wellbeing”, is a word of
blessing often invoked at the end of Buddhist sutras and heard
echoing through the temples of Kyoto. A sense of serenity is
awakened as soon as you step into the 100-year-old former teahouse,
where 23 all-wooden rooms – decorated with ancient ceramics and
surrounded by private gardens – benefit from a soothing soundtrack
of flowing water. Finer interior details include shoji screens,
tatami mats and decorative carvings. Dining, meanwhile, is treated
like an art form in itself, with an outpost of one of Tokyo’s
best-loved restaurants, La Bombance, at the property’s core.
Serving authentic Japanese cuisine with a contemporary touch, owner
and chef Makoto Okamoto invites guests to discover the story behind
each dish.

Alright, alright. Not a Hotel isn’t set to grace Japan’s hotel
scene until summer 2023, but this round-up wouldn’t be complete
without spotlighting one of the world’s hottest and
most-anticipated openings. Situated on the tranquil island of
Ishigaki, this Sou Fujimoto-designed sea-facing villa is nothing
short of an architectural marvel: the circular-shaped structure is
topped with a walkable meadow rooftop with its own pond and trees.
Inside, a deep respect for nature continues: an earth-toned palette
is complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows that offer undisturbed
views across the surrounding turquoise waters. Accommodating up to
10 guests, the property’s spacious dining area, four large bedrooms
and sublime infinity pool make it a great crash pad for a getaway
with your gang.

Nestled on the wild and rugged southern coastline of Kochi
prefecture, The Mana Village is designed to offer guests a space
for longer-term stays without skimping on luxury. As the name
suggests, the newly opened property is more like a community than a
hotel, with a local market, marine leisure area and stellar seafood
restaurant all situated within the grounds. Rooms feel more akin to
someone’s private apartment than a pit-stop destination – picture
open-air bathtubs, sweeping ocean views and fully equipped
kitchens. Don’t miss: 2023 will welcome the opening of an on-site
farm, while a private villa area is due to open in 2024.

Asia’s first Ace Hotel does not disappoint. Brought to life by
architect Kengo Kuma and California’s Commune Design, the converted
telephone office has been reborn into a swanky 213-room bolthole.
Designed to reflect the fabric of Kyoto’s creative scene, art and
sculpture is featured throughout, with works from 50 different
local artisans displayed. There are eight different room types to
choose from, each individually designed with thoughtful touches
such as turntables, vintage radios, futon beds and Japanese soaking
tubs. In true Ace style, this is more than a place to rest your
head. Flit between a bar and taco lounge, rooftop Italian
restaurant and traditional coffee house, book in for an afternoon
tea session or join party people at a set performed by the resident
DJ.

Calling all creatives: we’ve found the ultimate hideout. Priding
itself as a base at which local and upcoming artists can explore,
discover and create, Kyoto’s 18-key Kagan Hotel has an entire floor
decked out with atelier supplies, music studios and gallery spaces
– available to guests to use on weekdays. Rooms are uncluttered and
comfortable, with beds dug into the floor and wood-panelled
ceilings. Don’t expect super-swanky amenities; do expect an ideal
opportunity for recharging your batteries and getting the creative
juices flowing.